Various recordings on classical labels like Sony, Deutsche Harmonia Mundi and Warner classics, many awarded with prestigious prizes, are witnesses to the excellent quality of the musical ensembles joy of playing together. The innovative, artistically independent ensemble is always searching for new and far-reaching ways of interpretation through constant development of its harmonious sound on both historical and modern instruments. This diversity and depth has become its international trademark.

The Basel Chamber Orchestra works with artists such as Maria João Pires, Sol Gabetta, Nuria Rial, Christoph Prégardien, Erwin Schrott and René Jacobs.

The association of principal guest conductor, Giovanni Antonini with the ensemble makes for a fruitful collaboration. A highlight being the Beethoven cycle which the orchestra and the outstanding baroque specialist worked on together. For these historically informed interpretations, they were awarded the ECHO Klassik in the category for Best Ensemble in 2008.

The Basel Chamber Orchestra alternating with the Italian Ensemble Il Giardino Armonico will perform and record for CD, under the baton of Antonini, all of Haydn’s 107 symphonies up until the year 2032. Further major projects will be concerts and recordings of all Schubert symphonies under the leadership of Heinz Holliger as well as a series of concert performed operas. Apart from the Viennese Classics and baroque programmes, the orchestra promotes contemporary music. Together with its co-production partners the Theater an der Wien, the Theâtre Champs-Élysées Paris and the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie, the Basel Chamber Orchestra also performed a range of weighty operas in concert style, from Haydn’s “Armida” and Mozart’s “Da Ponte” operas to Beethoven’s “Fidelio”. By focusing on listening to the performances, it is possible to really appreciate the artistry of these operas. Yearly composition assignments and the involvement in the «Basel Composition Competition» are witnesses to their commitment. A core element is also the visionary imparting of artistic education through creative exchange with children and young people.

Clariant International Ltd. has been the main sponsor of the Basel Chamber Orchestra since January 2013.